Pride of the YankeesB-29-45-BW 42-24676

500th Bomb Group, 882nd Bomb Squadron

Once again Henry Johnson found inspiration in another Alberto Vargas pin-up girl illustration in "Esquire" magazine and used it to adorn aircraft number Z-24 of 882nd Bomb squadron, "Pride of the Yankees".

This Super Fort was almost lost on the night of 27-28th January 1945 on the mission to Tokyo. 20mm cannon fire from Japanese fighters ripped into its number 2 prop which then wind-milled until it broke off, taking part of the cowling with it and in doing so severely damaged the number 1 prop. Pilot Lt Frank Carrico was able to nurse the stricken B29 back to a safe landing on the only two remaining engines in spite of the damage.

"Pride of the Yankees" survived hostilities with sixty missions credited and flew at least two post war non-combat missions to drop desperately needed supplies to POW camps.